Florida International University
Any day's a good day to find a bargain, but in these hard times it's even more important to be smart about spending.
American Eagle Trade Group, 3690 N.W. 62nd St., mostly exports brand-name clothes and shoes to retailers and wholesalers in Latin America, the Caribbean and around the world.
But locals can also take advantage of the store's deeply discounted fashions and household goods.
In business for 17 years, the company opened an outlet store five years ago between Liberty City and Hialeah, a place that combines the pleasure of shopping with prices that allow a family to dress in style.
“My main goal is to find good fashion at good prices,” said Beatriz Marshall, who owns the store with her husband, Kurt.
And it seems to work. Most merchandise is tagged at 70 percent off the retail price. A Guess blouse sold at the mall for $59, for example, can be found here for $24. Other high-end brands like BCBGMAXAZRIA and Ralph Lauren are also available.
The store is in a warehouse the size of three basketball courts divided into departments with items for everyone from babies to grown ups, from diapers to computer accessories.
Ana Paz, a Little Havana resident and mother of two girls, drives to American Eagle to find home décor bargains.
“I bought all that I needed for the princesses’ rooms,” she said. “I come here every two weeks and I always find nice things for my house.”
As usual in outlet stores, it takes patience and time to sort through thousands of shirts, blouses, pants, jackets and shoes.
But, even though the size of the outlet and its huge stock might be overwhelming, the payoff is worth it. Finding a complete man's outfit for less than $50, for example, is a great motive to cruise the racks.
American Eagle owner Kurt Marshall said customers and most of his employees come from Liberty City, Little Haiti and Hialeah. He said he'll take job applications from anyone who cares to fill them out.
The store offers everyday items at bargain prices.
Prebe001@Fiu.edu
IF YOU GO
WHAT: American Eagle Trade Group
ADDRESS: 3690 N.W. 62nd St., Miami
HOURS: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.
CONTACT: 305-634-4766
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIBERTY CITY LINK. American Eagle building exterior
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